I got a Hall Express Today... And Broke It!

[cap217]

I was on the search for a TW build. I had a MK build and I have played a couple others. I joined here and was going to source the parts and have a the old Dr Z tech build one but I found Dana Hall. His reputation was good and I went with him and placed an order. We finally get to the day that the amp ships and its overnighted and I get it this morning before I left for work.

I open the box and its bigger and heavier than the other TW amps I had/played, at least by my eye. The wood box looks more authentic and the power cord is HEAVY DUTY. He shipped it with the 12ax7's installed and those were hand picked NOS tubes. He also sent 2 EL84 German NOS tubes (dont remember the name) and I went to install them. I slid the first one in and then went to slide the other in and SNAP!!!!!!!!!! The tip of the plastic center broke off in the socket. I didnt use much pressure or anything. It was just one of those things. But the glass didnt break... So I tried to pull out the plastic tip out of the center hole and it started cracking in smaller pieces. I stopped and there it is still in there. I didnt want to get shocked or anything.

Now, stupid me has to call Dana and explain that I am an idiot and broke a NOS tube. He took it well though but said he only has 2 more of those tubes and not sure what the specs are. Hopefully they match and I can just get another and send this one back and were good. But who knows.... Its a waiting game now.

I would like to know if there is any worry of me getting shocked trying to pull out the plastic piece? And what is the best way? It just starts cracking and breaking into small pieces. Dana said that I can just push it through and go from there. Remember, I just got the amp and wanted to turn it on before work. Now I have to work and wait until I get home to really see what the damage is and wait on more tubes.

Im such an idiot and so pissed about this! I have an amp that looks amazing and I just want to play it.


In the pics, the 2 small broken plastic pieces are what happened when I tried to take it out. THe whole plastic key part is still in the socket.

[M Fowler]

I break those locating pins off all the time. After they break I take a paint stick or marker and draw a line on the side of tube base to indicate where the locating pin was between pins 1-8. I use the tubes anyway.

Take a wood chop stick from favorite restaurant and push the broken part through.

Mark

[Reeltarded]

Or rebuild it with the missing parts. Toothpick and a magnifying glass with tiny amounts of very strong epoxy that is rated to take some heat.

The bases are pretty brittle on some tubes. Oops. It happens.

[M Fowler]

When those youtube videos say rotate the tube in a circular motion they mean very gentle circular motion.

[cap217]

Thanks for making me feel better about this. Like I said, the tube is fine but I dont know pin #'s. What sucks is that these are supposed to be amazing NOS tubes (again, dont know the name). I would hate to have to use new production tubes bc I broke the plastic.

I guess you guys are right. I can just figure out the pin #'s and go from there. Hopefully I get an answer from Dana if he has another tube. If not, I can take more pics and then figure this out tonight with your guys help.

As for rebuilding the plastic. Its an option. I would need some epoxy that can withstand high temps though, right?

[cap217]

When those youtube videos say rotate the tube in a circular motion they mean very gentle circular motion.

I thought it was in the hole. I wasnt even rotating. I was just 1 pin off and then snap. It was going in fine.

[cap217]

I found this. It shows the pin locations. I assume that when I look at the tube I will be able to make sense of the insides and then be able to located where the key slot would be?

How can I tell which pins are what?

[Gibsonman63]

Just look at the orientation of the undamaged power tube and mark the key on the tube with a sharpie.

[Zippy]

Just look at the base to see where the locator is supposed to be and draw a line on the base. Look at the socket to see where the key is located and draw a line on the chassis. Index the tube to the lines and gently insert the tube. You don't need to know the pinout - all the physical info is still there.

[Richie]

They make a small plastic plate type gizmo for this. It slips over the pins,so you have a new guide pin. Antique electronics and others usually sell them.

I think Dana uses the belton sockets,as I do too. And they are a tight fitting socket. One reason I like them. but you have to be careful. NOS tubes and current made tubes the pins are different sizes. They may look close but you'll find some go in harder or easier than othersjust depending on what your using.

Like Mark mentioned most of us just watch how the tube pins are and line them up or mark where the notch is. BUT get it wrong and bad things can happen..

http://www.tubesandmore.com/products/P-STKY-1

[cap217]

Just look at the base to see where the locator is supposed to be and draw a line on the base. Look at the socket to see where the key is located and draw a line on the chassis. Index the tube to the lines and gently insert the tube. You don't need to know the pinout - all the physical info is still there.

I dont have a tube in front of me so its hard for me to picture this stuff. When I get home and look at the tube and hopefully it will all make sense.

But what I remember seeing, if I looked at the bottom of the tube is 8 pins and a center that was just a glass nipple and round. By looking at that, there was no way for me to know where the key slot was. This is why I am confused.

So the easiest way for me to ask a questions is. How do I find pin # 1 and pin #8?

[xtian]

Speaking of Dana, I can't find his web site. Google won't give me any joy with any combination of "dana hall vvr amplification".

[Zippy]

So the easiest way for me to ask a questions is. How do I find pin # 1 and pin #8?

Sarcastic answer: Look for the locating key.

More useful answer: Compare it to your other tube.

[NickC]

[img:604:346]http://music-electronics-forum.com/atta ... socket.gif[/img]

[cap217]

I think the bottom plastic plate on the tube was all flat with no markings. I am not sure though and my pics dont show it. When I get home I will look at the bottom of the tube and see. Hopefully it will have a little slot where the key is supposed to be.